Buddying and Befriending Programme

Buddying was originally an American concept, set up to help and support people living with HIV or AIDS. Buddying is a befriending service where a HIV+ person newly diagnosed is matched with another positive person, providing a service that is tailored to meet individual needs. This might involve on-going emotional support, friendship, social companionship, accompanying someone to hospital, shopping, looking after pets or any other appropriate activity.

This programme is meant to introduce more experienced CG members to help, counsel and befriend other HIV positive individuals. Many of the people in the buddy programme do not attend either the weekly or monthly meetings for varied reasons. Therefore the buddy programme is essential for these PWA’s to talk to someone who understand the illness and the challenges that are associated with it. CG provides help to those looking for someone to talk to and also to help in their first CDC appointment.